ISBA program aims for binding arbitration of disputes over legal billing
Clients who think their lawyer charged them too much have a new way to contest the bill. And so do attorneys whose clients haven’t paid up as they believe they should.
Indiana State Bar Association
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ISBA House of Delegates rejects proposal for non-lawyer ownership of law firms
After a 30-minute discussion about the potential ramifications of a recommendation to allow non-lawyers to hold equity investments in law firms, the Indiana State Bar Association House of Delegates overwhelming voted against the recommendation at its meeting Sept. 30.
Social media create potential for ethical violations
As social media continue to evolve, legal professionals should become increasingly cautious when they log in to various sites.
ISBA House of Delegates rejects non-lawyer equity investments
The Indiana State Bar Association House of Delegates on Friday overwhelmingly rejected a recommendation to allow non-lawyer equity investments in law firms, saying that the issue needed further study.
Riley: The Indiana State Bar Association Future’s Committee
ISBA President Carol Adinamis appointed the Future of the Provision of Legal Services Committee to examine challenges to the profession from legal document and service providers and advances in technology. Here are the four recommendations of the committee.
Indiana Kids’ Election seeks legal volunteers for schools
Through the Indiana Kids’ Election Speakers’ Bureau, hundreds of attorneys, judges, paralegals and law students from across the state have volunteered to teach elementary, middle and high school students about the election process, and there are still spots open for other interested legal professionals.
Incoming ISBA president outlines plans to help legal profession adapt to changing marketplace
Mitchell Heppenheimer’s agenda for his term at the helm is focusing on ways to help Hoosier lawyers be successful in the shifting landscape. In particular, he plans to launch a campaign to educate people on why they should turn to a lawyer for legal advice and that lawyers can be hired at reasonable prices.
‘Making a Murderer’ attorney sees reform taking root
Hoosier native Jerry Buting will continue the conversation about reform at the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual meeting this month.
Bench and bar prepare for ‘Day of Service’
Attorneys and judges across the state will be volunteering in their local communities Saturday as part of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Annual Day of Service.
Attorneys needed to teach kids about elections
Indiana Kids’ Election, which helps teachers by providing resources about the election process, is looking for attorney volunteers in schools around the state.
Law firms’ March Against Hunger raises nearly $60,000
Law firms from around Indiana led the way in the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual March Against Hunger campaign, raising $59,408 in cash donations and 7,560 pounds of food to provide to the state’s 11 regional food banks.
Tangling with tech companies’ move into legal services
A recent American Bar Association resolution on regulating non-traditional legal services providers coupled with a pilot project with Rocket Lawyer has stirred opposition among bar associations.
Art project seeks images of Indiana’s courthouses
A project by the Indiana State Bar Association and currently on display at Conner Prairie seeks to highlight the beauty of Indiana’s courthouses, which are not only the centers of law, but focal pieces for small town centers.
Park Tudor scandal reignites debate about lawyers reporting child abuse
Charges that former Park Tudor basketball coach and teacher Kyle Cox attempted to coerce and entice a 15-year-old student into a sexual relationship — and an attorney’s alleged actions after learning of the accusations — have refocused attention on a 2015 advisory ethics opinion that largely exempts lawyers from a law that requires reporting suspected child abuse.
March Against Hunger competition kicks off
The Indiana State Bar Association is hosting its eighth annual March Against Hunger food drive competition beginning Tuesday and lasting through March 31. The drive raises food and monetary donations for Indiana’s 11 regional food banks.
Indianapolis family law attorney Strain dies
An Indianapolis solo practitioner who was active leader in bar associations died Wednesday. Jana K. Strain was 51.
‘Talk to a Lawyer Today’ statewide event to mark MLK Day
Lawyers throughout the state will donate legal services to underserved people Monday in the Indiana State Bar Association’s “Talk to a Lawyer Today” event, its 15th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Figuring out flat fees
A recent Indiana State Bar Association Legal Ethics Committee opinion says lawyers who charge clients flat fees considered earned on receipt shouldn’t deposit the fees in their Interest on Lawyer Trust Account, but should put the money in the firm’s operating account. Some lawyers aren’t convinced this makes sense.
Bar associations work hard to show young lawyers the benefits of membership
Organizations are working hard to welcome, attract and retain the young professionals because this new group shows little inclination to joining. Bar associations, like associations in different industries, are seeing millennials shy away from being part of an organized group.
Indiana lawyers say they’re not bound to report child abuse
Some child welfare officials say there could be dangerous fallout from an Indiana State Bar Association committee's opinion that lawyers aren't bound by a state law requiring anyone who suspects child abuse to immediately report it.